Fowey River Practice

04/03/2026

Ovarian Cancer Awareness is a reminder to know the symptoms and act early.

Symptoms can be vague and may include:

- persistent bloating
- tummy pain
- feeling full quickly
- needing to wee more often
- unexplained changes in appetite

If you notice ongoing symptoms that are unusual for you, it’s important to speak to your GP. When discussing symptoms, let your doctor know about any family history of cancer, not just ovarian cancer and not only in parents or siblings, as this can help assess your overall risk.

Keeping up to date with cervical screening when invited is also an important part of protecting your gynaecological health. Early action can make a real difference. 🎗️💙🩺✨

Learn more about ovarian cancer: https://ow.ly/8yMA50YlTsN

Read about spotting the signs and acting early: https://ow.ly/A80p50YlTsO

Most UK ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed late. We spoke to Ovarian Cancer Action about recognising symptoms early and what to do if something feels wrong.

01/03/2026

Zero Discrimination Day is a reminder that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, fairness and respect.

The NHS is committed to being an inclusive employer and service provider, welcoming people from all backgrounds and communities. We recognise the importance of multi-language communication so we can work effectively with everyone and ensure care is accessible to all. We have a zero tolerance approach to bullying, harassment and racism, and we stand firmly against discrimination in any form. Creating safe, supportive environments for staff and patients is everyone’s responsibility. 🤝🌍💙✨
Find support and advice about hate crime:

Hate Crime

27/02/2026

Scarlet fever is a contagious infection that mainly affects children and can cause a sore throat, fever and a distinctive rash.

Early recognition and treatment are important to help reduce the risk of complications and limit spread. Community pharmacies can also offer advice on managing symptoms and when further medical care is needed, making them a helpful first point of contact for many minor illnesses. Knowing the signs and where to get help can support quicker recovery. 🌡️👶🩺✨

Read NHS guidance on scarlet fever: https://ow.ly/YgnI50YhxHm
Read Patient Info advice on scarlet fever in children: https://ow.ly/2fQU50YhxIb
Learn how pharmacies can help (Pharmacy First): https://ow.ly/7nEr50YhxHG

Find out what services pharmacies can offer and how they can support you.

26/02/2026

Our patient survey closes tomorrow, if you or someone you know has not yet completed one, there is still time!

We have paper copies available at any one of our sites.

Https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YVGMRFZ

25/02/2026

We wanted to say a big thank-you to our patients, particularly in Polruan, who welcomed our team over today for the engagement & consultation event at the village hall.

The conversations today were really constructive & helpful.

Thank-you to all that attended, dropped by & had your say.

There is still time to register for the online evening event tonight, please send your details to fowey.engagement@nhs.net - it starts at 18:30pm

& of course, thank-you for our team and Patient Participation Group for supporting the event today and making it run so smoothly.

25/02/2026

The MMRV vaccine protects against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox) and is an important part of the childhood vaccination schedule.

If your child has missed any vaccines, or if you have recently moved to the UK from another country, it is never too late to catch up. The NHS offers free catch-up vaccinations to help ensure children and adults are protected and up to date. Checking your vaccination record and booking missing doses can help protect both your family and the wider community. 💉🛡️👨‍👩‍👧‍👦✨

Find out about the MMRV vaccine: https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/mmrv-vaccine/
Check the NHS vaccination schedule: https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/nhs-vaccinations-and-when-to-have-them/

A full list of the routine vaccinations offered on the NHS and when they should be given.

23/02/2026

A reminder regarding our upcoming engagement event this coming Wednesday 25th February at Polruan Village Hall.

Please spread the word to as many people as possible.

Will you be coming along to speak to our team? We have various different sessions available throughout the day:
Presentation & Q&A 10:00am - 11:30am
Quiet hour 11:45am - 12:45pm
Drop in session 13:30pm - 15:00pm

Our online evening event is at 18:30pm, the link to register has now closed, however if you’d still like to join this, please email fowey.engagement@nhs.net and we can add you on. The links for this will be sent on Tuesday 24th February.

Our team will be out in the community visiting patients who have not been physically able to attend the events, will you or someone you know struggle with attending the events and would better benefit from a visit or even a call? Please let our team know.

Surveys will still be available to complete at the hall on Wednesday.

Unable to join the day events or online event? We’d like to hear if there are groups of people unable to join any of our planned events, so we are able to see whether we need to investigate the need to plan further events to hear your voice.

We hope to see you on Wednesday.

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

23/02/2026

Children’s dental health is an important part of overall wellbeing, and simple daily habits can help protect young teeth for life.

Drinks that are high in sugar and acidity can damage tooth enamel and increase the risk of decay. Encouraging water or milk, brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, and regular dental check-ups can all support healthy smiles. Starting good oral health habits early can make a lasting difference. 🦷🪥💙✨

Read NHS advice on taking care of children’s teeth:

Find out how to look after children's teeth, including advice on brushing, toothpaste, establishing a routine and taking a child to the dentist for the first time.

20/02/2026

Using the NHS App to order repeat prescriptions is a quick and convenient way to manage your medicines without needing to contact your GP practice.

You can:
- Log in to the app
- Select your repeat prescription
- Choose your nominated pharmacy
- Track the status. all in one place.

The NHS App can also show when your prescription is ready to collect, helping save time and reduce unnecessary phone calls. You may also be eligible for free or reduced-cost prescriptions, depending on your circumstances, so it’s worth checking what support is available. 📱💊💙✨

Visit the NHS App homepage: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/
Step-by-step guide to prescriptions in the NHS App: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/help/prescriptions-in-the-nhs-app/
Find out about free or reduced-cost prescriptions: https://patient.info/treatment-medication/nhs-and-other-care-options/free-or-reduced-cost-prescriptions

Edit/update - if you are a dispensing patient at Polruan, please do not use the app and continue to request your prescriptions via email or in writing, thank-you.

Some people automatically get free prescriptions. Certain people can get an exemption certificate to obtain free prescriptions. Written by a GP.

18/02/2026

FAST awareness helps everyone recognise the signs of stroke and act quickly.

Stroke is a medical emergency, and getting help fast can save lives and reduce long-term disability. Knowing your risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, family history and lifestyle factors, can also help with prevention.

If you notice any signs of stroke, call 999 immediately. ⏱️🧠🚑✨

Learn the signs of stroke (FAST): https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stroke/symptoms/
Get stroke prevention advice and support: https://www.stroke.org.uk

16/02/2026

Oesophageal Cancer Awareness Month is a time to raise awareness of risk factors, symptoms and the importance of looking after your long-term health.

A family history of cancer, smoking, va**ng, poor diet and long-term acid reflux can all increase risk. Making positive lifestyle changes, such as stopping smoking or va**ng, can help reduce the risk of many cancers and improve overall health.

Knowing the signs and understanding risk factors can support earlier diagnosis and better outcomes. 🎗️🩺💙✨

Read about oesophageal cancer symptoms and treatment: https://ow.ly/mM6v50Yf6P9
Learn the truth about va**ng: https://ow.ly/uq6q50Yf6OQ
Read about what smoking does to your heart and health: https://ow.ly/OnFc50Yf6OW

Most people, whether or not they smoke, are aware of the damage that smoking can cause to people’s lungs. But far fewer people are aware that smoking is also harmful to the heart. Although smoke is inhaled into the lungs, the chemicals absorbed into your bloodstream can also affect the health of y...

13/02/2026

We are currently experiencing problems with out IT network which is also affecting our telephone lines. If you do not urgently need to contact us please try again next week. Apologies.